India’s Minakshi bowed out of the Thailand Open after a close first-round defeat to local boxer Jutamas Jitpong in the women’s 51kg event in Phuket on Sunday.
Minakshi fell short in a hard-fought bout as the boxer from Thailand won by a 3-2 split verdict.
In the first round, both the boxers played from a distance and gauged each other’s strategy before upping the ante in the second round, which saw a lot of clinching and exchange of punches.
The final round witnessed some fierce and attacking boxing between both the pugilists. Minakshi landed some clear punches but that was not enough in the end.
Six Indian boxers, including five women, will be in action on Monday.
In the women’s section, Monika (48kg) will face two-time world championships medallist Josie Gabuco of the Philippines in the opening round,…
